Wednesday, December 03, 2008

the scoop on the skirt

Back to the skirt.These are not the best photos. They were taken last Tuesday, through the window, by my mother. It was 28˙ outside, and was just starting to snow. I wasn't about to make her come join in the fun. I also had the camera on the wrong setting. Whoops.There are a couple of things that I don't like about how this turned out. See how the skirt separates and sort of comes to a V at the bottom. That bugs me. It has been blocked, and steamed, and continues to do that. My mother and a good friend think that I am being a bit picky, but I like my knits to turn out like the photo in the pattern. Also, the waistband must have elastic sewn into it, otherwise it would end up down around your hips all day. Not a good look. Yes, a little clingy in the rear. I know, I should have expected this from a knit skirt.

Personally, I think the v-effect at the bottom looks like it's part of the design. And you definitely have the figure for it. It looks amazing on you. But I can totally understand wanting to frog it. I have several garments that others claim look nice on me, but I feel awkward every time I wear them. It's more important how you feel in it. And if it's just going to sit in your closet unworn, I say rip away.

It looks amazing, Leslie. I looked at the pattern and theres also has a vee. I think that's how it's supposed to be. I would love to make it. By the way, the view from behind is wonderful. Your figure is fab!!!! Did it take a long time to knit? Do not even think about frogging. It is very flattering.

I like the skirt even though knit skirts are not my favorite. I think you did a great job on it and are one of the few people I know who could wear one. But if you aren't happy, you won't wear it, so... Who cares what we think?

Are you kidding?! You look better than the model in the original photo! I don't see clinginess but I've worn my own knitting clothes and can see why you'd feel that way. I just think you/it looks fabulous.

Bummer that you don't like it. But on the plus side (or, actually, not) you at least only had to make yourself a small! I don't think I'd ever even attempt a knitted skirt for these hips. Unless it was knitted out of, oh, maybe Spanx. With some armor thrown in.

I absolutely love the skirt! My knitting resolution for 2009 is to learn cables. I am going to try my hand at this pattern. I think you did an amazing job. But, if you are like me and don't feel comfortable in a garment, it will go to waste in the closet, so if you must, rip away!

It looks great and not tight in the rear. I to get annoyed when things don't turn out the way pictures show them. How about if you added some buttons or a pin to keep the skirt from flapping? It looks fantastic I wouldn't even think of frogging it.

Leslie...I agree with your mother. You are being picky!! This looks fantastic on you. It's no clingier than it should be and anyway you have the perfect figure to show off a bit of cling. Give it a chance and let's see if it grows on you - not literally of course! :D

It is perfect--You look great, seriouly, I don't know you so I wouldn't lie. If you look at the picture from the pattern, she is extending her leg and I am willing to bet that is to cover up the whole V thing you don't like. It is beautiful, wear it and save it because someone else is going to want to wear it someday!

oh, i love it! like nicole, i also think the V looks to be part of the design. but if you want it to be less open, could you kind of baste the two front edges together for part of the length below the buttons?

Seriously? It's awesome - very flattering (in fact, it makes me want to make one... And I have far too many other things on my list right now). I actually quite like the 'V' - and I bet the darn pattern photo would have it too if the model were standing straight-legged... I understand that feeling though, so if it doesn't make you happy and we can't convince you otherwise (can we??!) make it into something you love.

I think the skirt is beautiful as-is. I think the perfectionist in some of us takes over and we expect - well - perfection! What do your sisters and mom say about it? Bottom line - you have to be comfortable.

i happen to think it's adorable. but i totally get the comfort in wearing piece. and i think you're a good sport for finishing it and modeling it and posting it and wearing it, even when you're not totally comfortable in it!

if i had your body, i'd be wearing that every damn place i went. in reality, those three buttons wouldn't even stay put if i put that knit on.really, it looks fabulous on you. but renaissance is such a great, versatile yarn, and that color is awesome, so recycle away.

I love it, Leslie. I think it looks amazing on you and you can easily pull off a clingy skirt. After seeing your pics I put the skirt straight in my Rav queue! I think yours looks BETTER than the original picture. But you need to feel comfortable so if you will not wear it that much then the yarn may be better off used elsewhere (though I do hope you give the skirt a chance!).

The skirt looks cute. The front would bug me too but the back is perfect. Working at the lys I've learned you have to let some of these imperfections pass and enjoy the product. Thanks so much for the pattern for the advent garland I really wanted to make that but I didn't want to figure it out.

Love the Christmas lights! The skirt looks fabulous on you. I have a wrap around skirt that makes me uncomfortable when I wear it. Feel like I'm gonna give everyone a show every time I sit down. :o) But please reconsider ripping it out after you read all of these praises of how great it looks on you. :o) You did a really nice job.

I couldn't agree more with the fact that you look good in anything and everything. And your knitting is exquisite. I think the problem is that the design of the skirt is cool in theory [and for a model to pose in] but the design is not suited for living in it. I don't think the knitted fabric can work with a flap design like that and hang correctly while wearing it. The model's is probably glued or pinned and she is obviously not moving in it. I made a few Pendleton wool wrap skirts for myself years ago when I was losing weight and didn't want to have to buy many different sizes of regular skirts. As long as the wrap overlapped about half the width of the skirt, [and as long as I held it closed on a windy day when outside : ) itworked very well. I love your blog, as I've said before.

It's gorgeous! I can guarantee that if you wore that beauty out and about you'd receive several compliments on it. Just look at all of us squealing over it. Of course, better to frog it than to let it collect dust.

Hello. I'm new to your blog and don't think I've ever commented before. I had to click through just to say that I love that little "v" thing it does in the front and yours is much cuter than the photo you linked to. You look great!

Love the skirt.Love the color.Love the shape of the skirt on the back - seriously, not being freaky stalking blog commentor lady, but the cling part looks perfect.

That said. If you don't love it, and are going to wear it. Give it a while, and if you still feel that way. Time to enjoy the yarn in the frog pond and make something you love and will wear. That's one of the great things about knitting, it's like playdoh that never dries out, we can play with it and play with it as many times as we like.

I think if you kicked your leg out like she did in the pattern photo it would look the same!! I think they realized the "v" in the front and compensated for it in the picture. I still think it looks great and I'm sure it looks / feels different standing and posing for a picture than moving around in it.

I really love it -and it looks fabulous on you. I think my favorite part is how it gaps at the bottom and makes the V :)We are always so self conscious of how we look in things -I know this so well -that I think sometimes we see things differently than how others see us.Oh -and I LOVE your boots.

well, it looks very good on you. too bad it turned out differently than you'd expected. but the little v can be fixed with small stitches in a more superior part of the opening. ok, i guess i didn't make any sense, right?=p

You and your skirt look fabulous. I actually really like those photos - the misty green/blue effect makes it look like a European high fashion mag. And I wish my rear could pull of clingy like that!!! : )

I think the skirt looks like a great success, but if you don't think you'll get a a lot of wear then it will be fun to see it turn into something else. (based on the build of the skirt do you think you could convert it into an tote without having to frog it?)

I'm a big advocate of feeling comfortable :)and not wearing something you have to fidget with or troubled with. Having said that, something might be worth it once in a while. From those pics, you look great in the skirt. Whoops, time to get the kids up - more later!

1. I wish i could knit2. the front just looks sassy as it comes to a v and has that little wave3. i would love to be able to have a knit cling to my bum and not look like the yarn was straining to keep it together.4. if you un-do it....you're nuts5. HAVE A NICE DAY!

I agree with the general sentiment that it looks great on you!The trouble with photography is that there are too many ways to "cheat". I'm wondering if the button band is picked up and added last. If so, it's an easy fix (pick up fewer stitches or use a smaller needle). I also think it would look adorable with a gauzy skirt underneath peeking out a bit, something with ruffles maybe? I admire your commitment to reinvent the yarn, though. I don't know if I would have the heart to do that (even if the item never saw the light of day).

I like your skirt way better than the one in the pattern photo. The color you chose is better, the v-effect is better (especially with boots like you're wearing), the length is better, and it looks great on you.

I've been amazed at all of your creations and how cute they turn out! I know, I for one, couldn't wear "many" of what you make and look so great!!! You must be tall as well as slim (not skinny). You have a really nice sense of style as well. I'd say keep it and wear it more than a couple (once) times...and THEN if you really think you need to....re-cycle the yarn!!!

I think I see what you mean -- not the gapping so much (which is unavoidable in a wraparound skirt), but the way the ends of the skirt hang lower -- as if they've stretched out... what if you frogged that extra repeat you knit? Or line the entire thing -- I think it's kind of the nature of the beast with knit products that the edges (like the seam of a cardi -- w/o a zipper at least) are going to hang down a bit.

And I think it's perfect in the back (boy do I feel weird checking out another chick's tush! lol). Just a little cling to show shape that you definitely have earned the right to show off!!

I think it looks beautiful. But I know when I knit something that I am not fond of it doesn't really matter to me what other people think. I hope you grow to love it and see how beautiful it is, but if not, there is no harm in recycling it into something you will wear. That is the best part of knitting in my opinion. Nothing is ever garbage and can always be made into something else.

Hey Les! I must say I know what you mean about the skirt. I'm not being critical...honest. I can't even knit!! But it is not a flattering look even for a thin gal like you. I say wear it a few times, then recyle....but then what do I know?!

I'm a little late with my comment, and I'm sure someone else has already suggested this, but could you just sew some of that fabric tape stuff (What's it called? I don't sew.) to the inside of edges of the opening to help the skirt hold its shape and eliminate the V? Even a piece of grosgrain ribbon in a coordinating color could do the trick, couldn't it? It's just so fantastic, but I wouldn't wear it if I wasn't 100% happy with it, either!

Sorry, but your skirt looks better than the picture on the pattern. I would love to make your skirt but was not nearly as impressed with the one in the photo. Not sure I could pull it off... both in terms of the knitting and the wearing!

Wonderful learn, I simply handed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually purchased me lunch because I discovered it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! Anyway, in my language, there should not much good source like this.

Thank you for the wise critique. Me & my neighbour have been getting ready to do a little analysis about that. We received an excellent guide on that matter from our local library and most books where not as influensive as your information. I am very glad to see such information which I used to be searching for a protracted time.This made very glad! Anyway, in my language, there aren't a lot good source like this.